She smiled. “He was very charming, and very worried about his children.”
“We already have the team in place.” Jeff tossed another file on her desk. “This job is going to bring us a lot more work. The company will grow and you’ll be a part of that.”
Nicki knew that Jeff and Zane rewarded employees who worked well and she didn’t doubt she would find something extra in her next paycheck. For a second she thought about asking for extended maternity leave instead, but reconsidered. Jeff might not know that she and Zane were more than friends, but he wasn’t an idiot. He would put things together fairly quickly and then who knew what would happen. Better for her to be the one to tell Zane he was going to be a father.
She must have paled at the thought because Jeff leaned toward her and frowned.
“You okay?”
No. Not even close. She sighed. “I’m fine. Just the rigors of travel catching up with me.”
Jeff grinned. “Zane said you went to Disneyland yesterday. How rigorous could it have been?”
She chuckled. “Hey, there was a lot of walking.”
“Very funny.” He rose. “Why don’t you head out early today. Consider it part of your reward for a job well done.”
“That would be great. Thanks.”
She waited until Jeff left, then picked up the phone. There was only one person she could think of who could possibly understand what she was going through.
She waited until Ashley was on the phone. “It’s me,” she said. “If I leave work early this afternoon, would you have time to talk?”
Zane had dealt with a lot of rich people over the past few years. In his business, they were usually his clients. But the prince and princess of El Bahar were his first shot at royalty. He was pleasantly surprised by how the meeting was going.
“El Bahar is neutral,” he said to the royals, “but terrorists don’t care about things like that.”
Prince Jamal nodded. “I agree. Heidi and I are concerned about striking a balance between relative normalcy and overprotection. We also have the children to consider.”
Princess Heidi, an American who had married into the ruling family of El Bahar, smiled at him. “Jamal and I thought people more familiar with the lay of the land, so to speak, would be assets to our existing security team.”
“We often have to work with a team in place,” Zane told her. “Our personnel don’t have a problem with that.”
“Good.”
Despite the designer clothing and impressive jewels, Princess Heidi seemed like a down-to-earth person. When her husband left to make a call, she smiled at him.
“I understand you’re from Seattle,” she said. “It’s a very beautiful part of the country.”
He nodded. “A lot of green. Nothing like El Bahar.”
“True. We’re a desert nation, but when we get the rains, a surprising number of plants seem to spring to life overnight.”
He’d never spoken with royalty before, so he wasn’t sure what was allowed. Still, he knew Nicki would be interested in his encounter with a real live princess, so he decided to risk the potential protocol breach.
“You’re American.”
The princess grinned. “Technically I’m a citizen of El Bahar. Marrying one of the princes makes that a requirement. But in my heart, I belong to both countries. That’s one of the reasons I want us to spend more time here. So our children can see what life is like in the West.” Her smile faded. “While the people of El Bahar have always welcomed those from other countries, there are extremists in nearby nations who don’t share those liberal beliefs.”
“Both El Bahar and Bahania are excellent examples of the peace that is possible in the Middle East,” he said.
“True and a good thing, what with all three of the El Baharain princes marrying Americans.” Her smile returned. “It was something of a scandal.”
He chuckled. “And now the same thing is happening in Bahania. I understand that one of the king’s sons married an American.”
“You’re right,” Heidi told him. “In fact Princess Cleo is from your own Washington state.”
Prince Jamal returned to the hotel conference room and sat down. “Where were we?” he asked.
When the meeting concluded, Zane collected his papers and an extra copy of the proposal. After closing his briefcase, he pulled out his cell phone and dialed the office. He was put through to Jeff.
“I want a big raise,” he said by way of greeting.
“And here I thought it was my job to bring in new clients while you were busy risking your life on the job.”
“Send me back out in the field,” Zane said easily.
“Maybe not. I already have an official fax from the El Baharain office of royal security. We’ve been retained.”
Zane detailed the high points, then waited while Jeff put him through to Nicki.
“You should have been here,” he told her.
“Really?”
“Sure. I just sat across from a genuine princess. Pretty cool, huh?”
He heard the smile in Nicki’s voice as she said, “So you head off for the east coast and less than twenty four hours later, you’re infatuated by a princess? What kind of loyalty is that?”
He grinned. “Don’t sweat it. Even if I didn’t think you were hot enough to be irresistible, she’s married. And her husband looked like the kind of guy who would throw anyone messing with his wife into shackles for a couple hundred years.”
“Was she nice?”
“Very.”
“Attractive?”
“Sure, but not my type.” Especially not when he couldn’t get a certain redhead out of his mind. “Want me to see if I can steal a couple of pieces of her jewelry?”
“I doubt it’s my style. I’m a simple girl at heart.”
“Simple tastes or simple-minded?”
She laughed. “Very funny.” The humor faded. “When are you coming home?”
“In a couple of days. I have meetings with their security people tomorrow and Monday morning. I have a flight out early in the afternoon.”
“Okay.”
He straightened. There was something about how she said the word. Something that made him wonder if everything was all right.
“What’s going on?” he asked.
“Nothing.”
“You okay?”
“I’m fine. I swear.” She cleared her throat. “Why don’t you come to dinner Monday night? You can tell me all about the princess.”
“Sure. I’d like that.”
There was a brief pause. For a second Zane thought about telling Nicki that he missed her, but he stopped himself before he said the words.
Wanting, he reminded himself. Not missing. Missing wasn’t allowed. He’d made it a point to never get involved with someone he could miss. Had Nicki changed that? He’d always cared about her, but things were different now. Confusing.
Still he knew the danger of getting too involved. No way that was going to happen.
“You going to be around on Sunday?” he asked.
“I think so. Why?”
“I thought I might give you a call.”
“That would be nice.”
“Great. I’ll talk to you then and I’ll see you on Monday. I’ll bring wine.”
Nicki hesitated, then said that would be fine.
When he hung up, he heard a sound and turned. Princess Heidi stood in the doorway of the conference room. She smiled sheepishly.
“Okay,” she told him. “I was shamelessly eavesdropping. I can’t help it. I’m a sucker for couples in love.”
“No problem,” Zane said with a casualness he didn’t feel. In love? Not even on a bet. He didn’t do love. Not ever. He knew the price of loving…and losing, and he’d vowed to never pay it again.
Ashley walked back into the living room and collapsed on the sofa. “I’m sure he’s finally asleep,” she said and sighed. “He’s only eighteen months old. The terrible twos aren’t supposed to start f
or another six months, but he’s already making trouble.” She checked her watch. “Maggie won’t be back from her play date for another hour and half, so we’re on our own.”
“Great.”
Nicki fingered the hem of her sweater, then shifted in her chair. She’d been the one to request the meeting with her friend, so it was up to her to get things started. It’s not as if Ashley knew what was wrong.
But she didn’t know what to say, which led to an interesting dilemma. If she couldn’t say the words to her best friend, how on earth was she going to tell Zane?
A bridge to cross when she next saw him.
“I’m—” She closed her eyes, then opened them.
Ashley tilted her head. Concern darkened her eyes. “Are you sick or dying?”
“No, I’m perfectly healthy.” Pregnancy was a condition, not a disease, right?
“Good.” Ashley smiled. “I was a little worried. You sounded so serious on the phone and you haven’t been yourself since you arrived. What’s going on? Is it Zane? Jeff told me you two spent an extra day in L.A. I thought that might mean things had started up again.”
“They did, but that’s not really the problem.” She reconsidered the statement. “Okay, it’s part of the problem, but not the big part.”
“That’s clear.” Ashley leaned toward her. “Just start at the beginning or blurt it out. I can’t think of a single thing you could tell me that would be the least bit shocking.”
Nicki swallowed. “I’m pregnant.”
Ashley blinked. “Okay. Except for that. Pregnant? Are you sure?”
“I used four different home pregnancy tests. They were all positive.”
“Okay then. You probably are. Wow.” Ashley grinned. “Are you happy? I know it’s unexpected, but still, a baby. That’s so wonderful.”
Nicki opened her mouth to protest, then closed it. Ashley was right. A baby was wonderful. And amazing. Funny how she’d been so busy mentally ranting about how stupid she’d been to not use birth control that she’d never stopped to consider that there was a precious life growing inside of her. She’d always wanted kids. Maybe not this way, but that was okay.
She smiled. “It is great, isn’t it?”
“I’m guessing Zane’s the father.”
“He’s the only one I’ve been sleeping with.”
Ashley shook her head. “I take it he doesn’t know.”
“Not yet. He’s in New York and I didn’t want to tell him over the phone. He’s coming to dinner Monday night. I’ll spring it on him then.”
“Any idea what he’s going to say?”
Nicki had been doing her best not to think about that. “Not really.” She wasn’t sure she wanted to know.
Ashley rose and hugged her. “I think this is fabulous. You’ll be a great mom.”
Nicki hugged her back. “I hope so. I never thought about doing it on my own. How did you manage all those years with Maggie?”
Ashley resumed her seat. “It was a struggle,” she admitted. “I didn’t have your education or health insurance. Honestly, there were times I could barely keep food on the table. I was working nights, going to school during the day. The only thing that kept me going was how much I loved Maggie and that light at the end of the tunnel. I knew when I finally finished my degree, life would get easier for both of us.”
“Then you met Jeff and he swept you off your feet.”
Ashley’s expression softened. “Something like that. He was scary at first. A little distant. Maggie won him over right away. I think watching him fall for her made me start to fall myself.” She raised her eyebrows. “But there is definitely something in the water at that company.”
“What do you mean?”
“I was pregnant before Jeff and I married. In fact he’d told me he couldn’t have children.” She waved her hand. “It’s a complicated story. Anyway, there I was pregnant. And here you are. You’re definitely keeping the baby, right?”
Nicki nodded slowly. “Now that you mention it, I never considered any other option.” She couldn’t give up her child. “I’ll spend all my time terrified, but I can raise a baby on my own. I have resources.”
“Me, for one.”
Nicki glanced at Ashley’s stomach. “Right, because with two kids and a third on the way, you’ll have so much free time.”
“I can at least give you advice.”
“I’ll need plenty of that. I have money. Not just my salary, but money from the settlement.”
“What settlement?”
“When I broke my legs.” She explained about the accident at the resort. “I don’t know if my parents would have sued them or not. Before any decision was made, the owners offered a large settlement. My folks accepted on my behalf.”
Ashley grinned. “So you’re secretly rich?”
“I have a nest egg. My parents’ insurance covered most of my medical expenses so very little of the settlement got used for that. They invested the money and it did well. I spent some of it remodeling my house but the rest just sits there. Between my salary and my savings, I shouldn’t have to touch it, but it’s nice to know it’s there.”
“More than nice,” Ashley told her. “It’s one less thing to worry about. Are your parents going to freak out?”
Nicki considered the question. “I don’t know. They always wanted me to get married and have a family. I think they’ll be happy about the baby, even if they’re worried about me.” She smiled sheepishly. “I checked our insurance coverage. I’m entitled to eight weeks maternity leave with pay and six weeks without for maternity leave. I was thinking I could even work from home.”
“If Jeff doesn’t agree to that, you let me know.”
Nicki laughed. “Because you’ll take him on?”
“You bet.” Ashley leaned forward. “You’ll need to start looking for day care. What about having someone come in and stay with you?”
“I would like that. I’m sure my folks will come up for the first few weeks, while I’m still in the panic stage.”
“You know, we’ve talked about everything but the baby’s father,” her friend said. “Are you scared about telling him?”
“Wouldn’t you be?”
“Sure.”
Nicki touched her stomach. “I don’t know what to say. I guess there isn’t a good way to break it gently. At the same time I want him to understand that I’m perfectly capable of raising this child on my own.”
“Is that what you want?”
“It’s what makes the most sense. Zane isn’t going to be interested in having a family. He’s just not that kind of man.”
“He could surprise you.”
Nicki knew it was too dangerous to have those kind of hopes. But in her heart, that was what she wanted. For him to be thrilled by the news and instantly confess his undying love for her. Then they could get married and live happily ever after. The thing was, she had a feeling life wasn’t going to be that tidy.
“Zane doesn’t do permanent commitments,” she said. “He’s not going to want to be a father. I doubt he’ll want to be involved at all.”
Ashley shook her head. “I think you’re wrong and that he’ll surprise you, but we’ll have to wait and see. You said he’s coming over Monday night?”
“Right. For dinner.”
“I have a word of advice.”
“What?”
Ashley smiled. “Before you tell him, get him a drink. A really big one. He’s going to need it.”
Chapter Eleven
Zane arrived at Nicki’s house about fifteen minutes early. He’d brought roses and a bottle of wine. The flowers weren’t his style, but when he’d driven by a florist on the way over, he’d found himself pulling into the parking lot. Once inside the store, he’d seen peach-colored roses that he’d had to buy. Which made him feel like some high-school kid taking out the prom queen.
But anticipation was stronger than his chagrin. Maybe he shouldn’t have missed Nicki, but he’d spent the past four da
ys counting the hours until he saw her again. She’d invited him for dinner and he was hoping she planned to keep him around until breakfast.
When he knocked on the front door, she called that it was open. He stepped inside.
“What if I’d been a serial killer?” he asked as he closed the door behind himself.
Nicki sat in her chair in the entrance to the living room. She smiled. “Then you wouldn’t have knocked.”
He crossed toward her. “You work for a security company. You know better.”
“You’re right.”
He grinned. “My favorite two words in the world.” He set the wine on the floor, the flowers on her lap, then bent down and cupped her face. “Hi.”
“Hi, yourself.”
Makeup accentuated the wide shape of her beautiful green eyes. Her mouth was full and inviting. She smelled exotic and sexy. Her casual dress fell to the knee and left the rest of her legs bare. He noticed she wasn’t wearing stockings, which was probably for the best. Knowing about her garter belt would have made it impossible for him to concentrate.
He pressed his mouth to hers, meaning the contact to be a friendly greeting. But the second their lips touched, his blood heated and he wanted more. He leaned in a little. Nicki touched his cheek, then shifted her head slightly.
“The flowers are beautiful,” she said. “Thank you.”
Zane straightened. “You’re welcome.”
Was it his imagination or had she just pulled away from him? He studied her, searching for clues. He couldn’t find even one. Her smile seemed genuine, her gaze was steady.
“I need to get them in water,” she said as she turned and wheeled toward the back of the house.
Zane picked up the wine and trailed after her. “What’s for dinner?”
“Lasagna. My mother’s recipe.”
“I’m impressed.”
“You should be. I had to dirty nearly every pan I own to make it. The good news is it freezes well, so I’ll have many meals from it.”
She stopped in the center of the kitchen and pointed to one of the few tall cabinets. “Vases are in there.”
“I remember.” He pulled out a glass one and filled it with water. Nicki unwrapped the cellophane and placed the stems into the vase.
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